You will need to sign on with your LLLID (La Leche League ID) before you can post. If you have never claimed your LLLID, create your LLLID now. To sign in, click the LLLID Sign On button in the upper right corner. Enter your LLLID Alias and click the button again.

Could she be ready now???

hi there

my DD is only 15 weeks old (3 1/2 months) and i am wondering about her readiness/eagerness to start food. i must say i am very reluctant, but i made a promise to be led by her and i think she is telling me she is ready.

she has 2 teeth (ouch) she can hold her head well and is physically very able and advanced. she is munching and chewing (not sucking) everything.

she mimicks us when we eat, staring intensely at our food and trys to grab at our food or hands when we eat. i don't think she is extra hungry, her BM is just right, but i think she wants to experience it.

what could/should i do. i would be soooo sad if she gave up the breast as a result of this.

she was very very overdue by the way, if she'd born on her due date she'd be over 4 months now. if that means anything.

Re: Could she be ready now???

-increased nursing that continues for more than a few days and is unrelated to illness or teething;
-increased interest in table food while others are eating;
-the ability to sit up;
-absence of the tongue-thrusting reflex so that baby does not push solids out of his mouth;
-and an ability to pick up food and put it in his mouth.

If she is not showing all of those signs, I would say she isn't ready. I highly doubt she is ready at only 3.5 mo, regardless how overdue she
was. Read the entire article I linked; it has good info.

Re: Could she be ready now???

Two teeth already! Goodness!

I would hold off until at least 4 months and the re-evaluate the situation using Feorsteorra's post as a guideline.

Munching and chewing is a part of teething also. She could be cutting more teeth. The interest in your eating food and trying to grab food is a normal part of a baby's curiosity. If you put a toy in front of her, she would put that in her mouth too.